Male Breast Reduction
(Gynecomastia Repair)
Naples Plastic Surgery
At some point in their lives, approximately one half of all men in the United States will suffer from gynecomastia, a medical condition in which localized fat and/or excess tissue causes male breast enlargement. This sometimes embarrassing and rarely discussed condition is caused by a hormonal imbalance, and peaks in men between the ages of 50 to 80, affecting about 25 percent of this population. Adolescent gynecomastia occurs naturally in some teenagers due to rapid hormonal changes during puberty, and resolves itself without treatment in the majority of cases. However, about five percent of adolescent cases of the condition remain unresolved into adulthood.
Dr. Gardner is one of the few plastic surgeons in Naples that offer male breast reduction surgery for gynecomastia. Under his skilled hands, gynecomastia surgery is performed to remove and reshape the breast tissue to help develop a more toned chest. The procedure usually results in a slimmer physique, as well as a resultant boost in self-body image and confidence.
Male Breast Reduction in Naples
Before gynecomastia surgery, Dr. Gardner personally consults with patients in order to fully understand their aesthetic goals and develop a gynecomastia treatment plan customized for the patient’s physique and condition. The patient’s history is examined to make sure the gynecomastia cannot be managed non-operatively, and a physical breast examination will determine which treatment option will best help the patient achieve his goals.
Dr. Gardner tailors the male breast reduction surgery to each patient’s needs. If the enlarged breast tissue is mostly fat, tiny incisions are made in the nipple and underarm, and liposuction is done to remove the excess fat. If there is excess breast tissue, an incision is placed around the lower part of the nipple at the junction of the skin and the pigmented part of the nipple to hide the scar. The excess breast tissue is then completely removed allowing the pectoralis muscle to become more defined. If there is fat and excess breast tissue, liposuction is done on the remaining fatty tissues. The skin is then allowed to re-drape over the chest wall, re-shaping the breast to a more pleasing contour.
Recovering from Gynecomastia Repair
Male breast reduction surgeries are done as outpatient surgery at our fully accredited Gardner Plastic Surgery facility in Naples. Some patients are sent home with drainage tubes for a few days to empty any fluid that accumulates in the space where the breast tissue was removed. Patients typically require one to two weeks of recovery during which they must refrain from any vigorous activity. A compression garment is worn for several weeks to help the breasts conform to their new shape.
Like all surgical procedures, male breast reduction surgery has risks. Dr. Gardner reviews these with patients during preoperative visits. Gynecomastia patients often feel at ease once they review Dr. Gardner’s outstanding surgical record, which helps them feel confident they are in good hands.
